Xi, Yoon pledge stronger China-South Korea partnership

Xi, Yoon pledge stronger China-South Korea partnership as they meet on the sidelines of APEC Summit in Lima.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday emphasized the need for China and South Korea to foster stable and positive growth in their strategic cooperative partnership. This was conveyed during his meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol at the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Lima, Peru.

Reflecting on the past two years, Xi acknowledged significant shifts in international and regional dynamics while noting that China-South Korea relations have overall continued to develop. Regardless of changing circumstances, Xi highlighted that both nations should adhere to their original intentions for diplomatic ties, commit to good-neighborly relations, and pursue mutual benefit and cooperation.

Xi called for leveraging their geographical closeness, shared cultural ties, and economic integration to boost exchanges and deepen cooperation, ultimately enhancing the bilateral partnership for the benefit of both populations and regional stability, development, and prosperity. He urged increased high-level engagements to foster mutual understanding and trust, and to achieve common progress.

China remains dedicated to expanding openness and welcomes South Korean businesses to invest in China. Xi stressed the importance of jointly protecting the international free trade system, maintaining stable industrial and supply chains, and encouraging exchanges among academic, public opinion, subnational, and youth circles.

Xi expressed hope for more South Korean visitors to China and asked for measures to facilitate travel for Chinese citizens to South Korea. He also congratulated South Korea on hosting next year’s APEC summit and expressed willingness to enhance multilateral cooperation.

President Yoon affirmed South Korea’s view of China as a key partner and expressed interest in furthering their strategic partnership based on mutual respect and shared diplomatic goals to address challenges and promote regional peace and stability. He reiterated South Korea’s adherence to the one-China policy and its interest in participating in China’s modernization efforts and enhancing bilateral economic cooperation.

Yoon welcomed China’s visa-free policy for South Koreans and expressed a desire to deepen cultural and people-to-people exchanges. He also pledged South Korea’s readiness to collaborate with China within multilateral settings like APEC to support multilateralism and free trade.